Interfacing method for network printers

ABSTRACT

In an interfacing method, a plurality of network printers, which are provided with different kinds of film for image reproduction, are connected by an interface unit to an image information network. Available kinds of film with respect to each of the network printers, which are connected to the interface unit, are recognized. A network printer, which is among the plurality of the network printers and which corresponds to a kind of film coinciding with an output request, is selected in accordance with the results of the recognition. An output instruction, which coincides with the output request, is given to the thus selected network printer. An image can thereby be reproduced with the printer, which corresponds to the kind of film desired by an operator, such that considerable time and labor may not be required of the operator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an interfacing method and an interface unitfor network printers. This invention also relates to a client apparatusprovided with functions of the interface unit for network printers. Thisinvention further relates to a method and device for monitoring anetwork printer in a medical network, wherein a network printer designedto send a monitoring signal, which represents a state concerning output,in accordance with a special-purpose protocol may be connected to aplurality of terminals, each of which operates under management with oneof plural kinds of operating systems having different forms. Thisinvention still further relates to a method and system for managing aparameter wherein, in cases where a parameter, which represents imageprocessing conditions, or the like, for a medical image to be reproducedby each of image output devices that reproduce medical images and areconnected to a network, is altered in one of the image output devices,the details of the alteration are capable of being reflected in theother image output devices.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various image forming systems (modalities) for diagnosis, in whichX-rays, or the like, are utilized, have heretofore been used in themedical field. As such modalities, computed radiography (CR) systems,computed tomography (CT) systems, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)systems, and the like, have been used in practice. An image having beenformed by each modality is displayed on a cathode ray tube (CRT) displaydevice or is reproduced on film by a laser printer (LP), or the like.The reproduced image is utilized for making a diagnosis, e.g. forinvestigating the presence or absence of a diseased part or an injury orfor ascertaining the characteristics of the diseased part or the injury.

The CR systems are radiation image recording and read-out systems. Withthe radiation image recording and read-out systems, a radiation image ofan object, such as a human body, is recorded on a sheet provided with alayer of a stimulable phosphor (hereinafter referred to as a stimulablephosphor sheet). The stimulable phosphor sheet, on which the radiationimage has been stored, is then exposed to stimulating rays, such as alaser beam, which cause it to emit light in proportion to the amount ofenergy stored thereon during its exposure to the radiation. The lightemitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet, upon stimulation thereof, isphotoelectrically detected and converted into an electric image signal.Recently, the CR systems are widely used in practice. In cases where theCR system is connected to a network, which will be described later, itmay be embodied as the entire radiation image recording and read-outapparatus described above or as a unit, such as a radiation imageread-out apparatus, which is capable of feeding an ultimately detectedimage signal (image information) into the network.

With the rapid advances made in communication technology and computertechnology in recent years, various kinds of networks utilizingcomputers have been built in hospitals. The aforesaid systems, whichwere used in the past as stand-alone systems, constitute part of thenetwork as image information input apparatuses. Also, CRT displaydevices and LP's are connected via an interface unit to the network andthereby constitute part of the network as image output devices.

In cases where LP's are connected to a network, the problems describedbelow are encountered. Specifically, in cases where an image to be usedin making a diagnosis is reproduced on film, it is necessary for sheetsof film having various different sizes to be prepared in accordance withthe desired image sizes. However, a single printer cannot necessarilycarry out image reproduction on sheets of film having various differentsizes. Also, sheets of film may be classified by base color into acolorless type, a blue type, and the like. Ordinarily, selection of afilm base color is made according to preference of a medical doctor, whosees the image for diagnosis. However, if sheets of film having variousdifferent base colors are to be exchanged successively for imagereproduction in a single printer, considerable time and labor will berequired.

As described above, it is necessary for various different kinds of film(sizes, base colors, and the like) to be used in accordance with outputrequests. However, it is practically impossible that various differentkinds of film are processed in a single printer.

Also, in cases where a malfunction occurs with a printer, imagereproduction must wait before the repairing of the printer is finished.

Further, a printer is provided with a sorter for appropriately sortingthe sheets of film, on which visible images have been reproduced, inaccordance with output destinations (for example, destinationsclassified by department, such as destinations for surgical diagnosis,internal diagnosis, and dental diagnosis, and destinations classified bythe kind of the object, the image of which was recorded). ordinarily,sorter stages, which correspond to the number of sorting stages with thesorter, are approximately three to five stages per printer. However, ina network, various film output requests are made by many terminals, andtherefore the sorting in a larger number of sorting stages is required.However, the number of the sorter stages cannot be increased unlimitedlydue to limitation of physical space, which can be occupied by thesorter, at the location of the printer, and complexity of dischargingpaths from an output section of the printer to the sorter.

Therefore, it may be considered to connect a plurality of printers to anetwork. In such cases, it is necessary for an operator to specify aprinter, which is to be used for reproducing an image on film, from oneof terminals connected to the network.

However, ordinarily, the operator is a medical doctor, who desires toreproduce the image. In such cases, it is necessary for the medicaldoctor to memorize available kinds of film with respect to each of theprinters and to specify a printer, with which image reproduction is tobe carried out. Such a procedure is a burden to the medical doctor, whois the operator, and is not practicable.

Also, it is not practicable for the operator to grasp which printer ismalfunctioning at present and to specify a normal printer.

Further, it is necessary for the operator to specify into which sorterstage of which printer the film should be sorted. Such a procedure is aburden to the operator and is not practicable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an interfacingmethod for printers, wherein an image is capable of being reproducedwith a printer, which is among a plurality of printers connected to animage information network and which corresponds to a kind of filmdesired by an operator, such that considerable time and labor may not berequired of the operator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an interfacingmethod for printers, wherein an image is capable of being reproducedwith a usable normal printer, which is among a plurality of printersconnected to an image information network, such that considerable timeand labor may not be required of the operator.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an interfacingmethod for printers, wherein a reproduced image is capable of beingoutputted to a sorter stage, which is one of sorter stages of a printeramong a plurality of printers connected to an image information networkand which corresponds to an output destination desired by an operator,such that considerable time and labor may not be required of theoperator.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide aninterface unit for carrying out the interfacing method for printers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a clientapparatus, which is provided with functions of the interface unit.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method ofmonitoring a network printer wherein, in cases where a plurality ofterminals connected to a medical network operate under management ofdifferent kinds of operating systems (OS's), a state concerning outputof a network printer connected to the medical network is capable ofbeing remote-monitored from the terminals, such that a special-purposemonitoring software functions may not be required with respect to eachkind of the OS and the cost may be kept low.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a devicefor carrying out the method of monitoring a network printer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofmanaging a parameter, wherein an advantage of a conventional medicalnetwork system is obtained in that a parameter, which represents imageprocessing conditions, or the like, for a medical image to be reproducedby each of image output devices, is capable of being altered in each ofthe image output devices, and wherein, in cases where a parameter isaltered in one of the image output devices, the details of thealteration are capable of being reflected easily and perfectly in all ofthe other image output devices or in a specific one of the other imageoutput devices.

In interfacing methods for network printers in accordance with thepresent invention, information (representing a kind of film, whether astate of operation is normal or abnormal, an output destination withrespect to each of sorter stages, or the like) concerning each ofconnected network printers is recognized. In cases where a plurality ofinterface units are provided, the information concerning each of theconnected network printers is transferred between the interface units.In every case where an output request is made to one interface unit, aprinter capable of appropriately fulfilling the output request isselected, or the output request is transferred to a different interfaceunit, to which the printer capable of appropriately fulfilling theoutput request is connected.

Specifically, the present invention provides a first interfacing method,wherein a plurality of network printers, which are provided withdifferent kinds of film for image reproduction, are connected by aninterface unit to an image information network, the method comprisingthe steps of:

-   -   i) recognizing available kinds of film with respect to each of        the network printers, which are connected to the interface unit,    -   ii) selecting a network printer, which is among the plurality of        the network printers and which corresponds to a kind of film        coinciding with an output request, in accordance with the        results of the recognition, and    -   iii) giving an output instruction, which coincides with the        output request, to the thus selected network printer.

The kinds of film are classified by the size of film, the base color ofthe film, and the like. The term “output request” as used herein meansthe output instruction for specifying the kind of film.

All of the plurality of the printers need not necessarily be providedwith different kinds of film, and several printers among them may beprovided with the same kind of film. In cases where there are at leasttwo printers, which can carry out image reproduction on the kind of filmcoinciding with the output request, the order of priority may bedetermined previously, and one of the at least two printers may beselected in accordance with the order of priority. Alternatively, theprinter, with which image reproduction is to be carried out, may beselected by combining the first interfacing method in accordance withthe present invention with a third interfacing method in accordance withthe present invention, which will be described later, and/or a fifthinterfacing method in accordance with the present invention, which willbe described later.

In the first interfacing method in accordance with the presentinvention, in cases where there is no network printer, which correspondsto the kind of film coinciding with the output request, a networkprinter, which corresponds to the kind of film closest to the kind offilm coinciding with the output request, may be selected as the networkprinter, which corresponds to the kind of film coinciding with theoutput request, and

-   -   an output instruction, which specifies the closest kind of film,        may be given as the output instruction, which coincides with the        output request, to the thus selected network printer.        In such cases, when necessary, an instruction for carrying out        image size enlargement or reduction processing may also be        given.

The present invention also provides a second interfacing method, whereinat least one network printer among a plurality of network printers,which are provided with different kinds of film for image reproduction,is connected by each of at least two interface units to an imageinformation network, the method comprising the steps of, in eachinterface unit:

-   -   i) recognizing available kinds of film with respect to each of        the at least one network printer, which is connected to the        interface unit,    -   ii) sending information, which represents the results of the        recognition, to the other interface unit,    -   iii) selecting a network printer, which is among the plurality        of the network printers and which corresponds to a kind of film        coinciding with an output request, in accordance with the        results of the recognition and the results of recognition        received from the other interface unit, or transferring the        output request to the other interface unit, which is connected        to the network printer to be selected, and    -   iv) giving an output instruction, which coincides with the        output request, to the thus selected network printer.

Specifically, in cases where the printer, which coincides with theoutput request, is connected directly to the interface unit, whichreceived the output request, the interface unit selects the printer,which coincides with the output request, from among the printersconnected to the interface unit. In cases where there is no printer,which coincides with the output request, among the printers connecteddirectly to the interface unit, the output request is transferred to theother interface unit, which is connected to the printer that coincideswith the output request.

Each time the output request is received, the information concerningeach printer may be obtained of the other interface unit. Alternatively,each interface unit may be provided with a storage means, or the like.The information concerning each printer, which is received from theother interface unit, may be stored previously in the storage means.When the interface unit receives the output request, reference may bemade to the information having been stored in the storage means, and thekinds of film available with each printer may thereby be recognized.

In the second interfacing method in accordance with the presentinvention, in cases where there is no network printer, which correspondsto the kind of film coinciding with the output request, a networkprinter, which corresponds to the kind of film closest to the kind offilm coinciding with the output request, may be selected as the networkprinter, which corresponds to the kind of film coinciding with theoutput request, or the output request may be transferred to the otherinterface unit, which is connected to the network printer to beselected, and

-   -   an output instruction, which specifies the closest kind of film,        may be given as the output instruction, which coincides with the        output request, to the thus selected network printer.        In such cases, when necessary, an instruction for carrying out        image size enlargement or reduction processing may also be        given.

The present invention further provides a third interfacing method,wherein a plurality of network printers are connected by an interfaceunit to an image information network, the method comprising the stepsof:

-   -   i) recognizing whether a state of operation of each of the        network printers, which are connected to the interface unit, is        normal or abnormal (malfunctioning),    -   ii) selecting a network printer, which is among the plurality of        the network printers and which is in the normal operation state,        in accordance with the results of the recognition, and    -   iii) giving an output instruction to the thus selected network        printer.

The present invention still further provides a fourth interfacingmethod, wherein at least one network printer among a plurality ofnetwork printers is connected by each of at least two interface units toan image information network, the method comprising the steps of, ineach interface unit:

-   -   i) recognizing whether a state of operation of each of the at        least one network printer, which is connected to the interface        unit, is normal or abnormal,    -   ii) sending information, which represents the results of the        recognition, to the other interface unit,    -   iii) selecting a network printer, which is among the plurality        of the network printers and which is in the normal operation        state, in accordance with the results of the recognition and the        results of recognition received from the other interface unit,        or transferring an output request to the other interface unit,        which is connected to the network printer to be selected, and    -   iv) giving an output instruction to the thus selected network        printer.

The present invention also provides a fifth interfacing method, whereina plurality of network printers, each of which is provided with at leastone sorter stage corresponding to an output destination, are connectedby an interface unit to an image information network, the methodcomprising the steps of:

-   -   i) recognizing an output destination corresponding to each        sorter stage of each of the network printers, which are        connected to the interface unit,    -   ii) selecting a network printer, which is among the plurality of        the network printers and which has a sorter stage corresponding        to a specific output destination, in accordance with the results        of the recognition, and    -   iii) giving an output instruction, which coincides with the        specific output destination, to the thus selected network        printer.

The term “output destination” as used herein means the destination towhich the film outputted by the printer is to be sorted. For example,the output destinations may be classified by department intodestinations for surgical diagnosis, internal diagnosis, dentaldiagnosis, and the like. Also, the output destinations may be classifiedby the kind of the object, the image of which was recorded.

The present invention further provides a sixth interfacing method,wherein at least one network printer among a plurality of networkprinters, each of which is provided with at least one sorter stagecorresponding to an output destination, is connected by each of at leasttwo interface units to an image information network, the methodcomprising the steps of, in each interface unit:

-   -   i) recognizing an output destination corresponding to each        sorter stage of each of the at least one network printer, which        is connected to the interface unit,    -   ii) sending information, which represents the results of the        recognition, to the other interface unit,    -   iii) selecting a network printer, which is among the plurality        of the network printers and which has a sorter stage        corresponding to a specific output destination, in accordance        with the results of the recognition and the results of        recognition received from the other interface unit, or        transferring an output request to the other interface unit,        which is connected to the network printer to be selected, and    -   iv) giving an output instruction, which coincides with the        specific output destination, to the thus selected network        printer.

The first to sixth interfacing methods in accordance with the presentinvention should preferably be modified such that, in cases where eachof the network printers connected to the interface unit is designed tosend a monitor signal, which represents a state concerning output, inaccordance with a special-purpose protocol, and each of a plurality ofterminals, which constitute the image information network, is providedwith general-purpose displaying software functions and operates undermanagement with one of plural kinds of operating systems havingdifferent forms, the monitor signal having been sent in accordance withthe special-purpose protocol may be converted into a signal according toa protocol, which is adapted to displaying with the displaying softwarefunctions.

The term “state concerning output” as used herein means, for example, astate concerning whether expendable supplies, such as film, paper, andtoner, of the network printer have or have not run out, and a state ofproceeding of output.

Also, the special-purpose protocol should preferably be a Simple NetworkManagement Protocol (SNMP). The SNMP is one of constituent elements of aTransmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and has theadvantages in that it is a simple protocol set and exhibits quickresponse.

As the displaying software functions, a World Wide Web (WWW) browsershould preferably be employed. The WWW browser is the most populardisplaying software functions and has a high flexibility regardless ofthe OS's. In cases where the WWW browser is employed as the displayingsoftware functions, the protocol adapted to displaying may be aHyperText Transfer Protocol (or Hypertext Transport Protocol) (HTTP).

The present invention still further provides a first interface unit forcarrying out the first interfacing method for network printers inaccordance with the present invention. Specifically, the presentinvention still further provides a first interface unit for connecting aplurality of network printers, which are provided with different kindsof film for image reproduction, to an image information network, theinterface unit comprising:

-   -   i) a film kind recognizing means for recognizing available kinds        of film with respect to each of the network printers, which are        connected to the interface unit, and    -   ii) a printer selecting means for selecting a network printer,        which is among the plurality of the network printers and which        corresponds to a kind of film coinciding with an output request,        in accordance with the results of the recognition having been        carried out by the film kind recognizing means,    -   wherein an output instruction, which coincides with the output        request, is given to the network printer having been selected by        the printer selecting means.

In the first interface unit in accordance with the present invention, incases where there is no network printer, which corresponds to the kindof film coinciding with the output request, the printer selecting meansmay select a network printer, which corresponds to the kind of filmclosest to the kind of film coinciding with the output request, as thenetwork printer, which corresponds to the kind of film coinciding withthe output request, and

-   -   an output instruction, which specifies the closest kind of film,        may be given as the output instruction, which coincides with the        output request, to the network printer having been selected by        the printer selecting means.

The present invention also provides a second interface unit for carryingout the second interfacing method for network printers in accordancewith the present invention. Specifically, the present invention alsoprovides a second interface unit, comprising a group of at least twointerface units, each of the at least two interface units connecting atleast one network printer among a plurality of network printers, whichare provided with different kinds of film for image reproduction, to animage information network, each interface unit comprising:

-   -   i) a film kind recognizing means for recognizing available kinds        of film with respect to each of the at least one network        printer, which is connected to the interface unit, and sending        information, which represents the results of the recognition, to        the other interface unit, and    -   ii) a printer selecting means for selecting a network printer,        which is among the plurality of the network printers and which        corresponds to a kind of film coinciding with an output request,        in accordance with the results of the recognition having been        carried out by the film kind recognizing means and the results        of recognition received from the other interface unit, or        transferring the output request to the other interface unit,        which is connected to the network printer to be selected,    -   wherein an output instruction, which coincides with the output        request, is given to the network printer having been selected by        the printer selecting means.

In the second interface unit in accordance with the present invention,in cases where there is no network printer, which corresponds to thekind of film coinciding with the output request, the printer selectingmeans may select a network printer, which corresponds to the kind offilm closest to the kind of film coinciding with the output request, asthe network printer, which corresponds to the kind of film coincidingwith the output request, or may transfer the output request to the otherinterface unit, which is connected to the network printer to beselected, and

-   -   an output instruction, which specifies the closest kind of film,        may be given as the output instruction, which coincides with the        output request, to the network printer having been selected by        the printer selecting means.

The present invention further provides a third interface unit forcarrying out the third interfacing method for network printers inaccordance with the present invention. Specifically, the presentinvention further provides a third interface unit for connecting aplurality of network printers to an image information network, theinterface unit comprising:

-   -   i) an operation state recognizing means for recognizing whether        a state of operation of each of the network printers, which are        connected to the interface unit, is normal or abnormal, and    -   ii) a printer selecting means for selecting a network printer,        which is among the plurality of the network printers and which        is in the normal operation state, in accordance with the results        of the recognition having been carried out by the operation        state recognizing means, wherein an output instruction is given        to the network printer having been selected by the printer        selecting means.

The present invention still further provides a fourth interface unit forcarrying out the fourth interfacing method for network printers inaccordance with the present invention. Specifically, the presentinvention still further provides a fourth interface unit, comprising agroup of at least two interface units, each of the at least twointerface units connecting at least one network printer among aplurality of network printers to an image information network, eachinterface unit comprising:

-   -   i) an operation state recognizing means for recognizing whether        a state of operation of each of the at least one network        printer, which is connected to the interface unit, is normal or        abnormal, and sending information, which represents the results        of the recognition, to the other interface unit, and    -   ii) a printer selecting means for selecting a network printer,        which is among the plurality of the network printers and which        is in the normal operation state, in accordance with the results        of the recognition having been carried out by the operation        state recognizing means and the results of recognition received        from the other interface unit, or transferring an output request        to the other interface unit, which is connected to the network        printer to be selected,    -   wherein an output instruction is given to the network printer        having been selected by the printer selecting means.

The present invention also provides a fifth interface unit for carryingout the fifth interfacing method for network printers in accordance withthe present invention. Specifically, the present invention also providesa fifth interface unit for connecting a plurality of network printers,each of which is provided with at least one sorter stage correspondingto an output destination, to an image information network, the interfaceunit comprising:

-   -   i) an output destination recognizing means for recognizing an        output destination corresponding to each sorter stage of each of        the network printers, which are connected to the interface unit,        and    -   ii) a printer selecting means for selecting a network printer,        which is among the plurality of the network printers and which        has a sorter stage corresponding to a specific output        destination, in accordance with the results of the recognition        having been carried out by the output destination recognizing        means,    -   wherein an output instruction, which coincides with the specific        output destination, is given to the network printer having been        selected by the printer selecting means.

The present invention further provides a sixth interface unit forcarrying out the sixth interfacing method for network printers inaccordance with the present invention. Specifically, the presentinvention further provides a sixth interface unit, comprising a group ofat least two interface units, each of the at least two interface unitsconnecting at least one network printer among a plurality of networkprinters, each of which is provided with at least one sorter stagecorresponding to an output destination, to an image information network,each interface unit comprising:

-   -   i) an output destination recognizing means for recognizing an        output destination corresponding to each sorter stage of each of        the at least one network printer, which is connected to the        interface unit, and sending information, which represents the        results of the recognition, to the other interface unit, and    -   ii) a printer selecting means for selecting a network printer,        which is among the plurality of the network printers and which        has a sorter stage corresponding to a specific output        destination, in accordance with the results of the recognition        having been carried out by the output destination recognizing        means and the results of recognition received from the other        interface unit, or transferring an output request to the other        interface unit, which is connected to the network printer to be        selected,    -   wherein an output instruction, which coincides with the specific        output destination, is given to the network printer having been        selected by the printer selecting means.

The first to sixth interface units in accordance with the presentinvention should preferably be modified such that, in cases where eachof the network printers connected to the interface unit is designed tosend a monitor signal, which represents a state concerning output, inaccordance with a special-purpose protocol, and each of a plurality ofterminals, which constitute the image information network, is providedwith general-purpose displaying software functions and operates undermanagement with one of plural kinds of operating systems havingdifferent forms, the interface unit may further comprise a protocolconverting means for converting the monitor signal, which has been sentin accordance with the special-purpose protocol, into a signal accordingto a protocol, which is adapted to displaying with the displayingsoftware functions.

The functions of each of the first to sixth interface units inaccordance with the present invention may be provided on the side of aclient apparatus. In such cases, the interfacing of the client apparatusand printers may be carried out through a network or through othermeans, such as parallel connection.

A method and device for monitoring a network printer in accordance withthe present invention are characterized by converting a monitor signal,which is fed out by a network printer in accordance with aspecial-purpose protocol, in a network into a signal according to aprotocol, which is adapted to displaying with general-purpose displayingsoftware functions, such that a state concerning output of the printercan be monitored with each of a plurality of terminals, which areprovided with general-purpose displaying software functions and operateunder management with different kinds of operating systems.

Specifically, the present invention still further provides a method ofmonitoring a network printer in a medical network, wherein a networkprinter designed to send a monitor signal, which represents a stateconcerning output, in accordance with a special-purpose protocol may beconnected to a plurality of terminals, each of which is provided withgeneral-purpose displaying software functions and operates undermanagement with one of plural kinds of operating systems havingdifferent forms, the method comprising:

-   -   converting the monitor signal, which has been sent in accordance        with the special-purpose protocol, into a signal according to a        protocol, which is adapted to displaying with the displaying        software functions.

The present invention also provides a device for carrying out the methodof monitoring a network printer in accordance with the presentinvention. Specifically, the present invention also provides a devicefor monitoring a network printer for use in a medical network, wherein anetwork printer designed to send a monitor signal, which represents astate concerning output, in accordance with a special-purpose protocolmay be connected to a plurality of terminals, each of which is providedwith general-purpose displaying software functions and operates undermanagement with one of plural kinds of operating systems havingdifferent forms, the device comprising:

-   -   a protocol converting means for converting the monitor signal,        which has been sent in accordance with the special-purpose        protocol, into a signal according to a protocol, which is        adapted to displaying with the displaying software functions.

The present invention further provides a method of managing a parameterin a system constituted of a plurality of image output devices, whichreproduce medical images and are connected to a network, the parameterrepresenting image processing conditions, or the like, for a medicalimage to be reproduced by each of the image output devices, the methodcomprising the steps of:

-   -   i) transferring information, which represents a parameter having        been altered in one of the image output devices, into at least        one image output device among the other image output devices,        and    -   ii) causing the at least one image output device among the other        image output devices to carry out image processing by        selectively using the parameter, which has been transferred, or        a parameter, which has been set previously in the at least one        image output device among the other image output devices.

The information, which represents a parameter having been altered in oneof the image output devices, may be transferred into image outputdevices, which are among the other image output devices and arespecified under predetermined conditions, such as an individual device,the kind of device, a diagnosis department, a device for reproducingimages of the same patient, or a device for reproducing images for thesame examination.

The image output device, to which the information representing theparameter having been altered is to be transferred, may be specified inthe manner described below. Specifically, the parameter may correspondto index information, which represents an image recording menu of themedical image to be reproduced by each of the image output devices,

-   -   information specifying an image output device, which has the        same index information as the index information of each of the        image output devices, may be entered previously,    -   at least one image output device, which is among the other image        output devices and has the index information corresponding to        the parameter having been altered, may be specified by making        reference to the entered information, and    -   the information, which represents the parameter having been        altered, may be transferred into the at least one image output        device, which is among the other image output devices and has        thus been specified.

The term “image recording menu” as used herein means the itemrepresenting the kind of the medical image having been recorded. Forexample, the image recording menu is the item altered in accordance withthe conditions for image processing, such as the image recordingapparatus with which the image was recorded, the date of the imagerecording, the diagnosis department, the name of patient, the kind ofexamination (mass medical examinations, a close examination, or thelike), and the portion of the object the image of which was recorded(the chest, the abdomen, or the like). The term “index information” asused herein means the code number, or the like, which are set tocorrespond to each image recording menu, such that various imagerecording menus can be discriminated from one another.

The present invention still further provides a system for carrying outthe method of managing a parameter in accordance with the presentinvention. Specifically, the present invention still further provides asystem for managing a parameter, wherein a plurality of image outputdevices, which reproduce medical images, are connected to a network, anda parameter, which represents image processing conditions, or the like,for a medical image to be reproduced by each of the image outputdevices, is managed, the system comprising, provided in each imageoutput device:

-   -   i) a parameter altering means for altering a parameter,    -   ii) a transfer means for transferring information, which        represents the parameter having been altered, into at least one        image output device among the other image output devices,    -   iii) a receiving means for receiving the transferred        information, which represents the parameter having been altered,        and    -   iv) an image processing means for carrying out image processing        by selectively using the parameter, which has been received, or        a parameter, which has been set previously in the each image        output device.

In the system for managing a parameter in accordance with the presentinvention, the transfer means may transfer the information, whichrepresents the parameter having been altered, into at least one imageoutput device among the other image output devices, which has beenspecified under predetermined conditions.

The system for managing a parameter in accordance with the presentinvention, wherein the transfer means transfers the information, whichrepresents the parameter having been altered, into at least one imageoutput device, which has been specified under predetermined conditions,may be modified in the manner described below. Specifically, theparameter may correspond to index information, which represents an imagerecording menu of the medical image to be reproduced by each of theimage output devices,

-   -   each of the image output devices may be provided with an entry        means for previously entering information specifying an image        output device, which has the same index information as the index        information of each of the image output devices, and    -   the transfer means may specify at least one image output device,        which is among the other image output devices and has the index        information corresponding to the parameter having been altered,        by making reference to the information having been entered by        the entry means, and may transfer the information, which        represents the parameter having been altered, into the at least        one image output device, which is among the other image output        devices and has thus been specified.

The parameter may be stored in one of various ways, in which theparameter can be used arbitrarily in carrying out image processing, andthe like, in each of the image output devices. Particularly, from theview point of facilitating the parameter management, the parametershould preferably be stored as a data base in a storage device, such asa hard disk, provided in each of the image output devices.

In the system for managing a parameter in accordance with the presentinvention, the image output devices may be embodied in one of variousways, such that a visible image can be reproduced. For example, theimage output devices may be soft copy devices, such as CRT displaydevices, or hard copy devices, such as LP's.

With the interfacing methods and the interface units for networkprinters in accordance with the present invention, the information(representing a kind of film, whether a state of operation is normal orabnormal, an output destination with respect to each of sorter stages,or the like) concerning each of the connected network printers isrecognized by the interface unit (or each of the interface units incases where a plurality of interface units are provided). Therefore, theplurality of the interface units, which are connected to the network,can be processed virtually as a single printer. In cases where theoutput request is made to the interface unit, a printer, which canappropriately cope with the output request, is selected, or the outputrequest is transferred to the other interface unit, which is connectedto such a printer. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the operator toconsider which printer can output which kind of film. The operator maymerely make the output request to one of the printers, and can therebyobtain the desired film and the desired image from a printer, which canfulfill the output request.

Also, it is unnecessary for the operator to consider which printer iscurrently malfunctioning. The operator may merely make the outputrequest to one of the printers, and can thereby obtain the desired filmand the desired image from a printer, which is currently operablenormally.

Further, it is unnecessary for the operator to consider which printerhas the sorter stage for the desired destination. The operator maymerely send the output instruction to one of the printers, and canthereby obtain the desired film and the desired image from a printer,which has the sorter stage appropriate for the output instruction.

With the client apparatus in accordance with the present invention, thesame effects as those described above can be obtained.

With the method and device for monitoring a network printer inaccordance with the present invention, the monitor signal, whichrepresents the state concerning output of the network printer and hasbeen fed out in accordance with the special-purpose protocol by thenetwork printer connected to the medical network, is converted into thesignal according to a protocol, which is adapted to displaying withgeneral-purpose displaying software functions. The converted signal issent to the terminals. Therefore, even if the terminals, which may beconnected to the medical network, are a plurality of terminals, whichcan operate only under management with different kinds of operatingsystems, the monitor signal can be remote-monitored at every terminalwith its general-purpose displaying software functions.

Also, the displaying software functions, which each terminal has, arethe general-purpose displaying software functions regardless of the kindof the OS, it is unnecessary for the special-purpose software functionsfor monitoring the state of output to be provided with respect to eachof various kinds of OS's. Therefore, the monitoring of the networkprinter can be achieved at a low cost.

With the method and system for managing a parameter in accordance withthe present invention, in cases where the parameter is altered in one ofthe image output devices, the details of the alteration are transferredto the other image output devices. The other image output devices, whichhave received the details of the alteration, carry out the imageprocessing by selectively using the received parameter or the parameter,which has previously set in each of the other image output devices.Therefore, when necessary, the same parameter as the parameter havingbeen altered in one image output device can be utilized reliably in theother image output devices. Accordingly, considerable time and labor arenot required to alter the parameter in the other image output devices.Also, in cases where the received parameter is always selected, thealteration can be carried out perfectly.

Further, in cases where the transfer of the details of the alteration iscarried out by specifying the image output device, which should receivethe details of the alteration, the image output device, in which theparameter should be updated, can be specified from the image outputdevice, from which the details of the alteration are transferred. Theimage output device, which should receive the details of the alteration,can be specified by the utilization of the index information, whichrepresents the kind of the recorded image. Therefore, the transfer canbe carried out by specifying an image output device and, for example,the kind of the image, such as the image of a specific patient and theimage for the same purposes of examination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network, in which an embodiment ofthe first, third, or fifth interface unit in accordance with the presentinvention is employed,

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the embodiment of the firstinterface unit in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a network, in which anembodiment of the second, fourth, or sixth interface unit in accordancewith the present invention is employed,

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a different example of a network, inwhich an embodiment of the second, fourth, or sixth interface unit inaccordance with the present invention is employed,

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing details of the embodiment of thesecond interface unit in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing details of the embodiment of the thirdinterface unit in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing details of the embodiment of the fifthinterface unit in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the device formonitoring a network printer in a medical network in accordance with thepresent invention,

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the system formanaging a parameter in accordance with the present invention, and

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing examples of parameters in theembodiment of the system for managing a parameter shown in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will hereinbelow be described in further detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the interface unit for network printers in accordancewith the present invention will firstly be described hereinbelow.

FIG. 1 shows a network 100, in which an embodiment of the firstinterface unit in accordance with the present invention is employed.

With reference to FIG. 1, the network 100 is a medical image network forprocessing medical images. The network 100 is connected to a CT system11, a CR system 12, and an MRI system 13, which are image informationinput modalities. The network 100 is also connected to two networkprinters, i.e. a first printer 21 and a second printer 22, which serveas image output devices.

The first printer 21 and the second printer 22 reproduce images ondifferent kinds of film. The first printer 21 outputs film in which thebase color is clear. The second printer 22 outputs film in which thebase color is blue. The first printer 21 and the second printer 22 areconnected via a network interface unit 31 to the network.

As illustrated in detail in FIG. 2, the network interface unit 31comprises a film kind recognizing means 41 and a printer selecting means42. The film kind recognizing means 41 recognizes available kinds offilm, which can be outputted by each of the first printer 21 and thesecond printer 22. In accordance with the results of the recognitionhaving been carried out by the film kind recognizing means 41, theprinter selecting means 42 selects the first printer 21 or the secondprinter 22, which corresponds to a kind of film (a base color)coinciding with an output request. The network interface unit 31 givesan output instruction, which coincides with the output request, to thefirst printer 21 or the second printer 22, which is selected by theprinter selecting means 42.

For example, an output request for reproducing image information, whichhas been obtained with the CR system 12, on film having a blue basecolor, may be made from a terminal (not shown), which is connected tothe network 100. In such cases, the output request is inputted via thenetwork 100 into the network interface unit 31.

In the network interface unit 31, the film kind recognizing means 41recognizes previously that the first printer 21 connected to the networkinterface unit 31 can output film having a clear base color, and thatthe second printer 22 can output film having a blue base color. Inaccordance with the results of the recognition having been carried outby the film kind recognizing means 41, the printer selecting means 42selects the second printer 22, which coincides with the output request(for reproducing image information, which has been obtained with the CRsystem 12, on film having a blue base color) having been received fromthe network 100. An instruction for image reproduction is sent to thesecond printer 22.

As a result, the image information having been obtained with the CRsystem 12 is reproduced by the second printer 22 as a visible image onfilm having a blue base color.

As described above, with this embodiment of the network interface unit31, it is unnecessary for the operator, who enters the output request tothe terminal, to consider which printer can output which kind of film,and the operator can enter the output request in a way such that he mayvirtually enter the output request to a single printer. Therefore,burden to the operator can be relieved.

In the embodiment of the interface unit described above, two printersare connected to the network interface unit 31. However, the firstinterface unit in accordance with the present invention is not limitedto the embodiment described above, and at least three printers may beconnected to the interface unit. As the number of the connected printersbecomes large, the effects of relieving the burden to the operatorbecome large.

Also, in the embodiment of the interface unit described above, the basecolor is exemplified as the kind of film. As the kind of film, the filmsize (a 14″×17″ size, a 14″×14″ size, a 10″×14″ size, an 8″×10″ size, orthe like) may also be employed. For example, the first printer 21 canselectively output film having a 14″×17″ size or a 14″×14″ size. Thesecond printer 22 can selectively output film having a 10″×14″ size oran 8″×10″ size. In such cases, the film kind recognizing means 41 of thenetwork interface unit 31 recognizes the information representing thefilm size. In accordance with the results of recognition having beencarried out by the film kind recognizing means 41, the printer selectingmeans 42 selects, for example, the first printer 21, which coincideswith the output request (for reproducing image information on filmhaving, for example, a 14″×17″ size) having been received from thenetwork 100. An instruction for image reproduction is sent to the firstprinter 21. In this manner, it is unnecessary for the operator toconsider which printer can output the film of the desired kind, and theoperator can obtain the image having been reproduced on the film havinga 14″×17″ size from the first printer 21.

In the embodiment of the interface unit described above, in cases wherethere is no network printer, which corresponds to the kind of filmcoinciding with the output request, the printer selecting means mayselect a network printer, which corresponds to the kind of film closestto the kind of film coinciding with the output request, as the networkprinter, which corresponds to the kind of film coinciding with theoutput request. Also, an output instruction, which specifies the closestkind of film, may be given as the output instruction, which coincideswith the output request, to the network printer having been selected bythe printer selecting means. In such cases, when necessary, aninstruction for carrying out image size enlargement or reductionprocessing may also be given.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, only one interface unit is provided.However, the number of the interface units is not limited to one. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 3, one interface unit may be providedfor each printer, and a plurality of interface units may thus beprovided. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4, one printer or atleast two printers may be connected to each interface unit, and aplurality of interface units may thus be provided. Such constitutionshaving plurality of interface units constitute embodiments of the secondinterface unit in accordance with the present invention.

Specifically, the network 100 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the CTsystem 11, the CR system 12, and the MRI system 13, which are imageinformation input modalities. The network 100 is also connected to threenetwork printers, i.e. the first printer 21, the second printer 22, anda third printer 23, which serve as image output devices.

The first printer 21, the second printer 22, and the third printer 23reproduce images on different kinds of film. The first printer 21outputs film having a 14″×17″ size. The second printer 22 outputs filmhaving a 14″×14″ size. The third printer 23 outputs film having a10″×14″ size or an 8″×10″ size. The first printer 21 is connected via anetwork first interface unit 31′ to the network. The second printer 22is connected via a network second interface unit 32′ to the network. Thethird printer 23 is connected via a network third interface unit 33′ tothe network.

As illustrated in detail in FIG. 5, each of the network first interfaceunit 31′, the network second interface unit 32′, and the network thirdinterface unit 33′, comprises a film kind recognizing means 41′ and aprinter selecting means 42′. Each film kind recognizing means 41′recognizes available kinds of film (the film size), which can beoutputted by the corresponding one of the first printer 21, the secondprinter 22, and the third printer 23, which are respectively connectedto the network first interface unit 31′, the network second interfaceunit 32′, and the network third interface unit 33′. Also, the film kindrecognizing means 41′ sends information, which represents the availablekinds of film, to the other interface units. In accordance with theresults of the recognition having been carried out by the film kindrecognizing means 41′ and the film information, which concerns theprinters connected to the other interface units and which has beenreceived from the film kind recognizing means 41′, 41′ of the otherinterface units, the printer selecting means 42′ selects a printer,which corresponds to a kind of film (a film size) coinciding with anoutput request. Alternatively, the printer selecting means 42′ transfersthe output request to one of the other interface units, which isconnected to the printer to be selected. An output instruction, whichcoincides with the output request, is given to the printer, which hasbeen selected by the printer selecting means 42′, or to the printerhaving been selected by the printer selecting means of the interfaceunit, to which the output request has been transferred.

For example, an output request for reproducing image information, whichhas been obtained with the CR system 12, on film having a 14″×14″ size,may be made from a terminal (not shown), which is connected to thenetwork 100. In such cases, the output request is inputted via thenetwork 100 into, for example, the network first interface unit 31′.Alternatively, the output request may be inputted into the networksecond interface unit 32′ or the network third interface unit 33′.

In each of the network first interface unit 31′, the network secondinterface unit 32′, and the network third interface unit 33′, the filmkind recognizing means 41′ recognizes previously the film size, whichcan be outputted by the corresponding printer 21, 22, or 23 directlyconnected to the film kind recognizing means 41′. Also, the film kindrecognizing means 41′ sends the size information to the other interfaceunits.

In this manner, each of the network first interface unit 31′, thenetwork second interface unit 32′, and the network third interface unit33′ can recognize the available film sizes, which can be outputted byall of the printers 21, 22, and 23.

Thereafter, in accordance with the results of the recognition havingbeen carried out by the film kind recognizing means 41′, the printerselecting means 42′ of the network first interface unit 31′ finds aprinter, which coincides with the output request (for reproducing imageinformation, which has been obtained with the CR system 12, on filmhaving a 14″×14″ size) having been received from the network 100. Theprinter selecting means 42′ thus recognizes that the coinciding printeris the second printer 22. In this case, the interface unit, to which thesecond printer 22 is connected, is the network second interface unit32′. Therefore, the printer selecting means 42′ of the network firstinterface unit 31′ transfers the received output request via the network100 into the network second interface unit 32′.

In the network second interface unit 32′, which has received the outputrequest, the printer selecting means 42′ selects the second printer 22coinciding with the output request and gives an instruction for imagereproduction to the second printer 22.

As a result, the image information having been obtained with the CRsystem 12 is reproduced by the second printer 22 as a visible image onfilm having a 14″×14″ size.

As described above, this embodiment comprising the interface units 31′,32′, and 33′, it is unnecessary for the operator, who enters the outputrequest to the terminal, to consider which printer can output which kindof film, and the operator can enter the output request in a way suchthat he may virtually enter the output request to a single printer.Therefore, burden to the operator can be relieved.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment, wherein each interface unit is connected toone printer or at least two printers, and a plurality of interface unitsare thus provided. Specifically, the first printer 21 and the secondprinter 22 are connected to a first interface unit 31″, and only thethird printer 23 is connected to a second interface unit 32″. Also, afourth printer 24, a fifth printer 25, and a sixth printer 26 areconnected to a third interface unit 33″.

The first printer 21, the second printer 22, and the third printer 23reproduce images on different kinds of film having differentcombinations of the film size and the film base color.

As in the interface units 31′, 32′, and 33′ illustrated in FIG. 5, eachof the interface units 31″, 32″, and 33″ comprises the film kindrecognizing means 41′ and the printer selecting means 42′. Each filmkind recognizing means 41′ recognizes available kinds of film (thecombination of the film size and the film base color), which can beoutputted by the corresponding printer. Also, the film kind recognizingmeans 41′ sends information, which represents the available kinds offilm, to the other interface units. In accordance with the results ofthe recognition having been carried out by the film kind recognizingmeans 41′ and the film information, which concerns the printersconnected to the other interface units and which has been received fromthe film kind recognizing means 41′, 41′ of the other interface units,the printer selecting means 42′ selects a printer, which corresponds toa kind of film coinciding with an output request. Alternatively, theprinter selecting means 42′ transfers the output request to one of theother interface units, which is connected to the printer to be selected.An output instruction, which coincides with the output request, is givento the printer, which has been selected by the printer selecting means42′, or to the printer having been selected by the printer selectingmeans of the interface unit, to which the output request has beentransferred.

The operations and the effects of the interface units 31″, 32″, and 33″are the same as those of the interface units 31′, 32′, and 33′ shown inFIG. 3.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, in cases where there is no networkprinter, which corresponds to the kind of film coinciding with theoutput request, the printer selecting means may select a networkprinter, which corresponds to the kind of film closest to the kind offilm coinciding with the output request, as the network printer, whichcorresponds to the kind of film coinciding with the output request, ormay transfer the output request to the other interface unit, which isconnected to the network printer to be selected. Also, an outputinstruction, which specifies the closest kind of film, may be given asthe output instruction, which coincides with the output request, to thenetwork printer having been selected by the printer selecting means. Insuch cases, when necessary, an instruction for carrying out image sizeenlargement or reduction processing may also be given.

An embodiment of the third interface unit in accordance with the presentinvention will be described hereinbelow. In this embodiment, the firstprinter 21 and the second printer 22, which are connected to the network100 shown in FIG. 1, may reproduce images on the sake kind of film, andthe network interface unit 31 shown in FIG. 1 may have the constitutionshown in FIG. 6.

Specifically, in the embodiment of the third interface unit inaccordance with the present invention, the first printer 21 and thesecond printer 22 reproduce images on sheets of film having the samesize and the same base color. In this case, it is assumed that the firstprinter 21 is malfunctioning, and the second printer 22 can operatenormally.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the network interface unit 31 comprises anoperation state recognizing means 51 for recognizing whether a state ofoperation of each of the printers 21 and 22, which are connected to thenetwork interface unit 31, is normal or abnormal (malfunctioning). Thenetwork interface unit 31 also comprises a printer selecting means 52for selecting the first printer 21 or the second printer 22, which is inthe normal operation state, in accordance with the results of therecognition having been carried out by the operation state recognizingmeans 51. An output instruction coinciding with an output request isgiven to the printer 21 or 22, which has been selected by the printerselecting means 52.

For example, an output request for reproducing image information, whichhas been obtained with the CR system 12, on film may be made from aterminal (not shown), which is connected to the network 100. In suchcases, the output request is inputted via the network 100 into thenetwork interface unit 31.

In the network interface unit 31, the operation state recognizing means51 recognizes previously a state of operation (a normally operable stateor a malfunctioning state) of each of the first printer 21 and thesecond printer 22, which are connected to the network interface unit 31.In this embodiment, it is recognized that the first printer 21 ismalfunctioning, and the second printer 22 is normally operable. Inaccordance with the results of the recognition having been carried outby the operation state recognizing means 51, the printer selecting means52 selects the second printer 22, which can cope with the output requesthaving been received from the network 100, i.e. which is normallyoperable. An instruction for image reproduction is sent to the secondprinter 22.

As a result, the image information having been obtained with the CRsystem 12 is reproduced by the second printer 22 as a visible image onthe film.

As described above, with this embodiment of the network interface unit31, it is unnecessary for the operator, who enters the output request tothe terminal, to consider which printer is malfunctioning, and theoperator can enter the output request in a way such that he mayvirtually enter the output request to a single printer. Therefore,burden to the operator can be relieved.

In this embodiment of the third interface unit described above, twoprinters are connected to the network interface unit 31. However, thethird interface unit in accordance with the present invention is notlimited to the embodiment described above, and at least three printersmay be connected to the interface unit. As the number of the connectedprinters becomes large, the effects of relieving the burden to theoperator become large.

Also, in the embodiment of the third interface unit described above withreference to FIG. 1, only one interface unit is provided. Alternatively,as illustrated in FIG. 3, one interface unit may be provided for eachprinter, and a plurality of interface units may thus be provided. Asanother alternative, as illustrated in FIG. 4, one printer or at leasttwo printers may be connected to each interface unit, and a plurality ofinterface units may thus be provided. Such constitutions havingplurality of interface units constitute embodiments of the fourthinterface unit in accordance with the present invention.

In the embodiments of the fourth interface unit in accordance with thepresent invention, wherein a plurality of interface units are provided,the operation state recognizing means 51 shown in FIG. 6 recognizes thestate of operation (the normally operable state or the malfunctioningstate) of each connected printer and sends information, which representsthe results of the recognition, to the other interface units. Inaccordance with the results of the recognition having been carried outby the operation state recognizing means 51 and the information, whichrepresents the results of recognition and which has been received fromthe other interface units, the printer selecting means 52 selects aprinter, which is in the normally operable state. Alternatively, theprinter selecting means 52 transfers the output request to one of theother interface units, which is connected to the printer to be selected.

With the embodiment comprising the interface units 31′, 32′, and 33′ orwith the embodiment comprising the 31″, 32″, and 33″, it is unnecessaryfor the operator, who enters the output request to the terminal, toconsider which printer is malfunctioning, and the operator can enter theoutput request in a way such that he may virtually enter the outputrequest to a single printer. Therefore, burden to the operator can berelieved.

An embodiment of the fifth interface unit in accordance with the presentinvention will be described hereinbelow. In this embodiment, each of thefirst printer 21 and the second printer 22, which are connected to thenetwork 100 shown in FIG. 1, may have a sorter combined with eachprinter. Each sorter may have, for example, three sorter stages, whichcorrespond to different output destinations.

Specifically, the sorter stages are set for destinations, to which thefilm is to be sorted. For example, as for the sorter of the firstprinter 21, a first stage may be set for the surgical department, asecond stage may be set for the department of plastic surgery, and athird stage may be set for the department of cerebral surgery. As forthe sorter of the second printer 22, a first stage may be set for thefirst internal department, a second stage may be set for the secondinternal department, and a third stage may be set for the dentaldepartment. Film, which has been outputted to the second stage of thesorter of the second printer 22, is sorted for the second internaldepartment.

In this embodiment, the network interface unit 31 has the constitutionshown in FIG. 7.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the network interface unit 31comprises an output destination recognizing means 61 for recognizing anoutput destination corresponding to each sorter stage of each of theprinters 21 and 22, which are connected to the interface unit. Thenetwork interface unit 31 also comprises a printer selecting means 62for selecting the printer 21 or 22, which has a sorter stagecorresponding to a specific output destination, in accordance with theresults of the recognition having been carried out by the outputdestination recognizing means 61. An output instruction, which coincideswith the output request, is given to the printer 21 or 22 having beenselected by the printer selecting means 62.

For example, an output request for reproducing image information, whichhas been obtained with the CR system 12, on film and as an image to besorted to the second internal department may be made from a terminal(not shown), which is connected to the network 100. In such cases, theoutput request is inputted via the network 100 into the networkinterface unit 31.

In the network interface unit 31, the output destination recognizingmeans 61 recognizes previously the output destination of each of thestages of the sorter of the first printer 21, which is connected to thenetwork interface unit 31, and the output destination of each of thestages of the sorter of the second printer 22. In this embodiment, asdescribed above, the sorter stages are set for output destinations suchthat, as for the sorter of the first printer 21, the first stage may beset for the surgical department, the second stage may be set for thedepartment of plastic surgery, and the third stage may be set for thedepartment of cerebral surgery. As for the sorter of the second printer22, the first stage is set for the first internal department, the secondstage is set for the second internal department, and the third stage isset for the dental department. The output destination recognizing means61 recognizes the output destinations and the corresponding sorterstages of the sorters of the printers.

Thereafter, in accordance with the results of the recognition havingbeen carried out by the output destination recognizing means 61, theprinter selecting means 62 selects a printer, which has the sorter stagefor the output destination corresponding to the output request (forreproducing image information, which has been obtained with the CRsystem 12, on film and as an image to be sorted to the second internaldepartment) having been received from the network 100, i.e. the secondprinter 22. An instruction for reproducing an image and sorting it tothe second stage of the sorter is sent to the second printer 22.

As a result, the image information having been obtained with the CRsystem 12 is reproduced by the second printer 22 as a visible image onthe film and sorted and discharged to the second stage of the sorter.

As described above, with this embodiment of the network interface unit31, it is unnecessary for the operator, who enters the output request tothe terminal, to consider to which sorter stage of which printer thefilm must be sorted, and the operator can enter the output request in away such that he may virtually enter the output request to a singleprinter. Therefore, burden to the operator can be relieved.

In this embodiment of the fifth interface unit described above, twoprinters are connected to the network interface unit 31. However, thefifth interface unit in accordance with the present invention is notlimited to the embodiment described above, and at least three printersmay be connected to the interface unit. As the number of the connectedprinters becomes large, the effects of relieving the burden to theoperator become large.

Also, in the embodiment of the fifth interface unit described above withreference to FIG. 1, only one interface unit is provided. Alternatively,as illustrated in FIG. 3, one interface unit may be provided for eachprinter, and a plurality of interface units may thus be provided. Asanother alternative, as illustrated in FIG. 4, one printer or at leasttwo printers may be connected to each interface unit, and a plurality ofinterface units may thus be provided. Such constitutions havingplurality of interface units constitute embodiments of the sixthinterface unit in accordance with the present invention.

In the embodiments of the sixth interface unit in accordance with thepresent invention, wherein a plurality of interface units are provided,the output destination recognizing means 61 shown in FIG. 7 recognizesthe output destination of each sorter stage of each connected printerand sends information, which represents the results of the recognition,to the other interface units. In accordance with the results of therecognition having been carried out by the output destinationrecognizing means 61 and the information, which represents the resultsof recognition and which has been received from the other interfaceunits, the printer selecting means 62 selects a printer, which has thesorter stage for the desired output destination. Alternatively, theprinter selecting means 62 transfers the output request to one of theother interface units, which is connected to the printer to be selected.

With the embodiment comprising the interface units 31′, 32′, and 33′ orwith the embodiment comprising the 31″, 32″, and 33″, it is unnecessaryfor the operator, who enters the output request to the terminal, toconsider to which sorter stage of which printer the film must be sorted,and the operator can enter the output request in a way such that he mayvirtually enter the output request to a single printer. Therefore,burden to the operator can be relieved.

The classification of the output destinations corresponding to thesorter stages is not limited to the classification by diagnosisdepartment. For example, the output destinations may be classified bypatient.

Each of the aforesaid embodiments of the first to sixth interface unitsin accordance with the present invention may also be provided with aprotocol converting means in a device for monitoring a network printer,which will be described later.

Also, the functions of each of the first to sixth interface units inaccordance with the present invention may be provided on the side of aclient apparatus. In such cases, the interfacing of the client apparatusand printers may be carried out through a network or through othermeans, such as parallel connection.

An embodiment of the device for monitoring a network printer in amedical network in accordance with the present invention will bedescribed hereinbelow.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the device formonitoring a network printer in a medical network in accordance with thepresent invention. With reference to FIG. 8, a medical network 200 is anetwork for processing medical images. The medical network 200 isconnected to terminals, such as a CR system 230, a CT system 240, and anMRI system 250, which are image information input modalities. Themedical network 200 is also connected to a network printer 220, whichserves as an image output device. Other image information inputmodalities, other printers, display devices, and the like, may also beconnected to the medical network 200.

The CR system 230, the CT system 240, and the MRI system 250 operateunder management with different kinds of OS's. The CR system 230, the CTsystem 240, and the MRI system 250 serve as the terminals and can givean image output instruction to the network printer 220. In the terminals230, 240, and 250, WWW browsers 231, 241, and 251 are respectively setup. With the WWW browsers 231, 241, and 251, information (a signal)having been described in a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) can bedisplayed on monitors of the terminals 230, 240, and 250.

The network printer 220 receives the output instruction via the medicalnetwork 200 from each of the terminals 230, 240, and 250 and reproducesan image according to the output instruction on film. The networkprinter 220 is provided with an SNMP agent 221. When a signal making arequest for a state concerning output is received, the SNMP agent 221outputs a monitor signal, which represents a state of proceeding ofoutput and a state concerning whether expendable supplies, such as film,have or have not run out during the output, in accordance with aspecial-purpose protocol SNMP.

Also, a management server 210, which serves as the monitoring device forthe network printer 220, is connected to the medical network 200. Themanagement server 210 comprises an SNMP manager 211, a protocolconverting means 212, and a WWW server 213. The SNMP manager 211receives the signal, which makes a request for a state concerningoutput, from the medical network 200 and sends the request signal to theSNMP agent 221 of the network printer 220. Also, the SNMP manager 211fetches the monitor signal according to the SNMP on the medical network200. The protocol converting means 212 converts the monitor signalaccording to the SNMP, which has been fetched by the SNMP manager 211,into a signal (in the HTML) according to the protocol HTTP. Inaccordance with the signal, which makes a request for a state concerningoutput of the network printer 220 and is received from the terminal 230,240, or 250, the WWW server 213 outputs the monitor signal according tothe HTTP as a push type of information into the terminal 230, 240, or250, which has made the request.

How the management server 210, which serves as the device for monitoringthe network printer, operates will be described hereinbelow.

Firstly, an image output instruction is given from the CR system 230,which is one of the terminals on the medical network 200, via themedical network 200 to the network printer 220. Also, at this time, thesignal, which makes a request for a state concerning output of thenetwork printer 220, is outputted from the CR system 230. The outputstate requesting signal is fed via the medical network 200 into the SNMPmanager 211 of the management server 210. The SNMP manager 211 feeds thereceived output state requesting signal into the SNMP agent 221 of thenetwork printer 220.

The network printer 220 receives the output instruction from the CRsystem 230 and reproduces the image on the film in accordance with therequest. Also, with respect to the output state requesting signal havingbeen received from the SNMP manager 211, the SNMP agent 221 feeds themonitor signal, which represents the state of proceeding of output andthe state concerning whether expendable supplies, such as film, have orhave not run out during the output, in accordance with thespecial-purpose protocol SNMP into the medical network 200.

By way of example, when the network printer 220 is operating normally,the monitor signal may represent identification (ID) informationconcerning the image that is being reproduced, ID information concerningthe terminal which has made the output request, the number of outputtedsheets of film, which serves as information concerning the state ofproceeding of output, the state of processing liquids, such as adeveloping solution and a fixing solution, the size of the film, thebase color of the film, the state of a receiving magazine, and the like.When the network printer 220 runs out of the film serving as the outputmedium and stops, the monitor signal may represent the state of filmexhaustion and the state of operation stop. When the network printer 220stops due to exhaustion of other expendable supplies or when the filmclogs in a discharging path of the network printer 220 and cannot bedischarged normally, the monitor signal may represent the correspondingoperation failure. Also, when the network printer 220 is not operatingdue to the absence of the image output instruction, the monitor signalmay represent the non-operating state.

The monitor signal according to the SNMP, which has been fed to themedical network 200, is fetched by the SNMP manager 211 of themanagement server 210. The SNMP manager 211 feeds the fetched monitorsignal into the protocol converting means 212. The protocol convertingmeans 212 converts the received monitor signal according to the SNMPinto the monitor signal in the HTML according to the HTTP and feeds theconverted monitor signal into the WWW server 213.

Thereafter, in accordance with the output state requesting signal havingbeen received via the medical network 200, the WWW server 213 feeds themonitor signal in the HTML according to the HTTP, which has beenreceived from the protocol converting means 212, as a push type ofinformation into the CR system 230, which has made the request for thestate concerning output.

The monitor signal in the HTML, which has been fed out from the WWWserver 213, is fed via the medical network 200 into the CR system 230.The CR system 230 opens the set-up WWW browser 231 and displays themonitor signal in the HTML as visible information on the monitor.

In such cases, when a signal, which makes a request for the stateconcerning output of the network printer 220, is fed out from one of theother terminals (e.g., the CT system 240), which has not given the imageoutput instruction, the output state requesting signal is fed via themedical network 200 into the management server 210. With respect to theoutput state requesting signal, the WWW server 213 feeds the monitorsignal in the HTML according to the HTTP as a push type of informationinto the CT system 240, which has made the request for the stateconcerning output. As a result, in the CT system 240, which is locatedat a position remote from the CR system 230 and the network printer 220,it can be found that the network printer 220 is reproducing the image inaccordance with the instruction given from the CR system 230. Therefore,for example, an image output instruction can be given to the networkprinter 220 after the image reproduction, which is carried out inaccordance with the instruction given by the CR system 230, has beenfinished. In this manner, the timing, with which the image outputinstruction is given, can be determined appropriately. Also, in caseswhere a plurality of printers are connected to the medical network 200,a printer which is not operating can be found from a remote position.Therefore, it is unnecessary to wait before the printer which isoperating becomes free, and temporal loss can thereby be reduced.

As described above, with this embodiment of the management server 210,the state concerning output of the network printer 220 can beremote-monitored at the CR system 230, which is located at a positionremote from the network printer 220, and the timing, with which the filmoutput from the network printer 220 is finished, can be foundappropriately. Therefore, considerable time and labor are not required,and an examination work can be carried out efficiently.

Also, the monitor signal is described as the HTML signal, which has ahigh flexibility and can be displayed with the WWW browsers utilized inthe terminals 230, 240, and 250 operating under management of differentOS's. Therefore, it is unnecessary for special-purpose softwarefunctions for monitoring the state of output to be provided with respectto each of various kinds of OS's of the terminals. Therefore, thenetwork can be constructed comparatively easily and at a low cost.

An embodiment of the system for managing a parameter in accordance withthe present invention will be described hereinbelow.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the system formanaging a parameter in accordance with the present invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, this embodiment of the parameter managing systemcomprises a CR system 310 and image output devices 320, 330, and 340.The CR system 310 records an image of an object and obtains an imagesignal, which represents the image. Each of the image output devices320, 330, and 340 receives the image signal from the CR system 310,carries out predetermined image processing on the image signal,reproduces a visible image from the processing image signal, which hasbeen obtained from the image processing, and displays the visible imageon a CRT display device (not shown), or the like. The CR system 310 andthe image output devices 320, 330, and 340 are connected with oneanother via a network line.

The image output device 320 comprises a storage device 324 for storingthe image signal, which is received from the CR system 310, andinformation, which represents a parameter representing the conditions ofthe image processing having been carried out by the CR system 310. Theimage output device 320 also comprises a receiving means 321 forreceiving the information, which represents the parameter, from each ofthe other image output devices 330 and 340. The image output device 320further comprises a parameter altering means 323 for reading theinformation, which represents the parameter, from the storage device324, altering the thus read parameter, and feeds the information, whichrepresents a parameter P22 after being altered and a parameter P21before being altered (already existing in the image output device 320),into an image processing means 325. The image output device 320 stillfurther comprises the image processing means 325 for carrying out imageprocessing on an image signal D20, which has been read from the storagedevice 324, by selectively using the parameter P21 or the parameter P22,which have been received from the parameter altering means 323. Theimage output device 320 also comprises a transfer means 322 fortransferring the information, which represents the parameter P22 afterbeing altered, into one of the other image output devices specified byan entry means 326. Each of the other image output devices 330 and 340has the same constitution as that in the image output device 320. InFIG. 9, as for each of the image output devices 330 and 340, each of theelements similar to those of the image output device 320 is numberedwith a reference numeral, in which the number of units is the same asthat in the reference numeral of the corresponding element of the imageoutput device 320, and the number of tens and the number of hundreds arealtered to correspond to those of the reference numeral of the imageoutput device.

How the parameter is managed in the parameter managing system will bedescribed hereinbelow.

In the CR system 310, the image of the object is recorded, the imagesignal representing the image is obtained, and normalization processingand predetermined image processing are carried out on the image signal.Therefore, the normalized original image signal before being subjectedto the image processing and the information, which represents theparameter representing the image processing conditions, are fed into theimage output devices 320, 330, and 340. The storage devices 324, 334,and 344, which are provided respectively in the image output devices320, 330, and 340, temporarily store the received original image signaland the information representing the parameter. Therefore, in the imageoutput devices 320, 330, and 340, the same original image signal and thesame parameter are stored. The parameter is stored as a data base so asto correspond to index information, which represents the kind of image(the image recording menu), such as the image recording system withwhich the image was recorded, the date of the image recording, thediagnosis department, the name of patient, the kind of examination, andthe like.

In each of the image output devices 320, 330, and 340, the imageprocessing is carried out by using the stored original image signal D20,or the like, and the parameter P21, or the like, and a visible image isdisplayed on the CRT display device (not shown). Also, the parameter maybe altered according to preference of the operator, or the like, andimage processing may be carried out under image processing conditionswith the altered parameter P22, or the like. An image having thus beenobtained from the image processing can be reproduced. Also, the existingparameter can be altered into an altered parameter, and the alteredparameter can be stored. Such an operation corresponds to the updatingof the parameter. Further, in cases where the altered parameter P22, orthe like, is stored by taking an index information number different fromthe existing one, both of the existing parameter P21, or the like, andthe altered parameter P22, or the like, can be stored.

FIG. 10 shows examples of parameters, which are stored as a data base inthe storage devices 324, 334, and 344 after the image processing hasbeen carried out by altering the parameters in the image output devices320, 330, and 340. In the storage device 324, the parametercorresponding to each of index information 1, 2, 3, and 4 is stored. Inthe storage device 334, the parameter corresponding to each of indexinformation 1, 2, 4, and 6 is stored. In the storage device 344, theparameter corresponding to each of index information 1, 3, 5, and 7 isstored. The parameter corresponding to the index information 1 of eachof the storage devices 324, 334, and 344 is <1234>. In FIG. 10, theparameter corresponding to the index information 1 of the storage device324 is illustrated as being <1357>. The parameter is the alteredparameter, which will be described later. Before being altered, theparameter is <1234>. Parameters corresponding to the other pieces ofindex information are not shown in FIG. 10.

How the parameter corresponding to the index information 1 is altered inthe image output device 320 and how the altered parameter is reflectedin the image output devices 330 and 340 will be described hereinbelow.

Information (transfer destination specifying information) for specifyingeach of the other storage devices having the same index information asthe index information, which each of the storage devices 324, 334, and344 has, is entered previously in each of the entry means 326, 336, and346. The transfer destination specifying information may thus be enteredin each of the entry means 326, 336, and 346. Alternatively, pieces oftransfer destination specifying information may be entered together in aspecific device (e.g., the storage device 324) or in a different storagemeans (such as a server).

When the parameter is altered in the image output device 320 and thealtered parameter is to be reflected in each of the other image outputdevices, such that the image output device, to which the informationrepresenting the altered parameter is to be transferred, may bespecified, reference is firstly made to the transfer destinationspecifying information, which has been entered in the entry means 326.In this manner, each of the other storage devices, which has the sameindex information as the index information corresponding to the alteredparameter, is specified.

For example, when the parameter corresponding to the index information 1stored in the storage device 324 has been altered from <1234> to <1357>,it is specified that the storage devices having the same indexinformation 1 are the storage devices 334 and 344. It is thereby foundthat the image output devices, to which the information representing thealtered parameter is to be transferred, are the image output devices 330and 340.

After the other image output devices, in which the altered parameter isto be reflected, have thus been found, the information, which representsthe other image output devices, (e.g., a flag, a key code, or the like;hereinbelow referred to as the flag information) and the information,which represents the altered parameter <1357>, are fed out via thetransfer means 322 to the network line.

In the image output device 330, the receiving means 331 receives theflag information and the information representing the altered parameter,which have been transferred via the network line. Also, reference ismade to the flag information, and a judgment is made as to whether thereceived parameter is the one which has been transferred toward theimage output device 330. In cases where it has been judged that thereceived parameter is the one which has been transferred toward theimage output device 330, the storage device 334 stores the receivedinformation such that the received parameter P30 and the indexinformation 1 can be recognized. Also, the same processing is carriedout in the image output device 340. In the example described above, thealtered parameter <1357> is the one corresponding to the indexinformation 1, and the parameter <1357> is stored in both of the storagedevices 334 and 344. At this time, predetermined warning or displayingmay be carried out such that the operator can recognize the receiving ofthe parameter.

In this manner, the existing parameter is not immediately updated intothe received parameter such that, in cases where the image output devicehaving received the parameter is carrying out the image processing byusing the existing parameter, the image processing may not be adverselyaffected by alteration of the parameter, and such that the existingparameter or the received parameter may be utilized selectively.Therefore, in cases where no problem occurs when the existing parameteris immediately updated into the received parameter, the parameterupdating may be carried out automatically when the parameter isreceived.

In cases where the received parameter is utilized in the image outputdevice 330 or 340, the parameter is read from the storage device 334 or344, and the thus read parameter is fed as an altered parameter P32 orP42 of the corresponding device into the image processing means 335 or345. The image processing means 335 carries out the image processing onthe image signal D30, which has been read from the storage device 334,by selectively using the existing parameter P31 <1234> or the alteredparameter P32 <1357>. In the same manner, the image processing means 345carries out the image processing on the image signal D40, which has beenread from the storage device 344, by selectively using the existingparameter P41 <1234> or the altered parameter P42 <1357>.

In the image output device 330, in cases where it has been judged thatthe existing parameter P31 <1234> may be altered into the alteredparameter P32 <1357>, the parameter P31 <1234>, which has been stored inthe data base, is altered into the altered parameter P32 <1357>. (Theoperation corresponds to the updating of the data base.) Alternatively,an index information number different from the index information 1corresponding to the parameter P31 may be employed, and the alteredparameter P32 <1357> may be stored in the data base so as to correspondto the newly employed index information number. In this manner, theexisting parameter P31 <1234> can be kept unerased. The same processingmay be carried out in the image output device 340.

In the same manner as that described above, a parameter may be alteredin each of the other image output devices 330 and 340, and theinformation representing the altered parameter may be transferred to theimage output device 320.

As described above, with this embodiment of the system for managing aparameter in accordance with the present invention, in cases where aparameter is altered in one of the image output devices, the details ofthe alteration can be reflected easily in all of the other image outputdevices or in a specific one of the other image output devices. Also,insofar as it is not judged that the transferred parameter isunnecessary, the altered parameter can be reliably reflected in all ofthe other image output devices or in a specific one of the other imageoutput devices.

In the embodiment described above, reference is made to the informationhaving been entered in the entry means, and the information representingthe altered parameter is transferred to all of the image output devices,which are provided with the storage devices having the index informationcorresponding to the altered parameter. However, the method and systemfor managing a parameter in accordance with the present invention arenot limited to the aforesaid embodiment, and the operation forspecifying the image output device, to which the informationrepresenting the altered parameter is to be transferred, may bespecified in one of various other ways. For example, the informationrepresenting the altered parameter may be transferred to only a specificimage output device selected from among the image output devices havingthe same index information. Also, instead of the image output device, towhich the information representing the altered parameter is to betransferred, being specified with the entry means, the information maybe transferred in a data format, such that the altered parameter and thecorresponding index information can be discriminated, equally to everydevice, to a device, which is located in a specific diagnosisdepartment, or the like. On the side of the device receiving theinformation, reference may be made to the received index information,and the transferred parameter may be received with respect to only theparameter corresponding to the same index information as the indexinformation which the device receiving the information has.

1-4. (canceled)
 5. An interfacing method, wherein a plurality of networkprinters are connected by an interface unit to an image informationnetwork, the method comprising the steps of: i) recognizing whether astate of operation of each of the network printers, which are connectedto the interface unit, is normal or abnormal, ii) selecting a networkprinter, which is among the plurality of the network printers and whichis in the normal operation state, in accordance with the results of saidrecognition, and iii) giving an output instruction to the thus selectednetwork printer.
 6. An interfacing method, wherein at least one networkprinter among a plurality of network printers is connected by each of atleast two interface units to an image information network, the methodcomprising the steps of, in each interface unit: i) recognizing whethera state of operation of each of the at least one network printer, whichis connected to the interface unit, is normal or abnormal, ii) sendinginformation, which represents the results of said recognition, to theother interface unit, iii) selecting a network printer, which is amongthe plurality of the network printers and which is in the normaloperation state, in accordance with the results of said recognition andthe results of recognition received from the other interface unit, ortransferring an output request to the other interface unit, which isconnected to the network printer to be selected, and iv) giving anoutput instruction to the thus selected network printer.
 7. Aninterfacing method, wherein a plurality of network printers, each ofwhich is provided with at least one sorter stage corresponding to anoutput destination, are connected by an interface unit to an imageinformation network, the method comprising the steps of: i) recognizingan output destination corresponding to each sorter stage of each of thenetwork printers, which are connected to the interface unit, ii)selecting a network printer, which is among the plurality of the networkprinters and which has a sorter stage corresponding to a specific outputdestination, in accordance with the results of said recognition, andiii) giving an output instruction, which coincides with said specificoutput destination, to the thus selected network printer.
 8. Aninterfacing method, wherein at least one network printer among aplurality of network printers, each of which is provided with at leastone sorter stage corresponding to an output destination, is connected byeach of at least two interface units to an image information network,the method comprising the steps of, in each interface unit i)recognizing an output destination corresponding to each sorter stage ofeach of the at least one network printer, which is connected to theinterface unit, ii) sending information, which represents the results ofsaid recognition, to the other interface unit, iii) selecting a networkprinter, which is among the plurality of the network printers and whichhas a sorter stage corresponding to a specific output destination, inaccordance with the results of said recognition and the results ofrecognition received from the other interface unit, or transferring anoutput request to the other interface unit, which is connected to thenetwork printer to be selected, and iv) giving an output instruction,which coincides with said specific output destination, to the thusselected network printer.
 9. An interfacing method as defined in any ofclaims 5 to 8 wherein, in cases where each of the network printersconnected to the interface unit is designed to send a monitor signal,which represents a state concerning output, in accordance with aspecial-purpose protocol, and each of a plurality of terminals, whichconstitute the image information network, is provided withgeneral-purpose displaying software functions and operates undermanagement with one of plural kinds of operating systems havingdifferent forms, said monitor signal having been sent in accordance withsaid special-purpose protocol is converted into a signal according to aprotocol, which is adapted to displaying with said displaying softwarefunctions.
 10. An interfacing method as defined in claim 9 wherein saidspecial-purpose protocol is a Simple Network Management Protocol, saiddisplaying software functions is a World Wide Web browser, and saidprotocol adapted to displaying with said displaying software functionsis a HyperText Transfer Protocol. 11-14. (canceled)
 15. An interfaceunit for connecting a plurality of network printers to an imageinformation network, the interface unit comprising: i) an operationstate recognizing means for recognizing whether a state of operation ofeach of the network printers, which are connected to the interface unit,is normal or abnormal, and ii) a printer selecting means for selecting anetwork printer, which is among the plurality of the network printersand which is in the normal operation state, in accordance with theresults of said recognition having been carried out by said operationstate recognizing means, wherein an output instruction is given to thenetwork printer having been selected by said printer selecting means.16. An interface unit, comprising a group of at least two interfaceunits, each of the at least two interface units connecting at least onenetwork printer among a plurality of network printers to an imageinformation network, each interface unit comprising: i) an operationstate recognizing means for recognizing whether a state of operation ofeach of the at least one network printer, which is connected to theinterface unit, is normal or abnormal, and sending information, whichrepresents the results of said recognition, to the other interface unit,and ii) a printer selecting means for selecting a network printer, whichis among the plurality of the network printers and which is in thenormal operation state, in accordance with the results of saidrecognition having been carried out by said operation state recognizingmeans and the results of recognition received from the other interfaceunit, or transferring an output request to the other interface unit,which is connected to the network printer to be selected, wherein anoutput instruction is given to the network printer having been selectedby said printer selecting means.
 17. An interface unit for connecting aplurality of network printers, each of which is provided with at leastone sorter stage corresponding to an output destination, to an imageinformation network, the interface unit comprising: i) an outputdestination recognizing means for recognizing an output destinationcorresponding to each sorter stage of each of the network printers,which are connected to the interface unit, and ii) a printer selectingmeans for selecting a network printer, which is among the plurality ofthe network printers and which has a sorter stage corresponding to aspecific output destination, in accordance with the results of saidrecognition having been carried out by said output destinationrecognizing means, wherein an output instruction, which coincides withsaid specific output destination, is given to the network printer havingbeen selected by said printer selecting means.
 18. An interface unit,comprising a group of at least two interface units, each of the at leasttwo interface units connecting at least one network printer among aplurality of network printers, each of which is provided with at leastone sorter stage corresponding to an output destination, to an imageinformation network, each interface unit comprising: i) an outputdestination recognizing means for recognizing an output destinationcorresponding to each sorter stage of each of the at least one networkprinter, which is connected to the interface unit, and sendinginformation, which represents the results of said recognition, to theother interface unit, and ii) a printer selecting means for selecting anetwork printer, which is among the plurality of the network printersand which has a sorter stage corresponding to a specific outputdestination, in accordance with the results of said recognition havingbeen carried out by said output destination recognizing means and theresults of recognition received from the other interface unit, ortransferring an output request to the other interface unit, which isconnected to the network printer to be selected, wherein an outputinstruction, which coincides with said specific output destination, isgiven to the network printer having been selected by said printerselecting means.
 19. An interface unit as defined in any of claims 15 to18 wherein, in cases where each of the network printers connected to theinterface unit is designed to send a monitor signal, which represents astate concerning output, in accordance with a special-purpose protocol,and each of a plurality of terminals, which constitute the imageinformation network, is provided with general-purpose displayingsoftware functions and operates under management with one of pluralkinds of operating systems having different forms, the interface unitfurther comprises a protocol converting means for converting saidmonitor signal, which has been sent in accordance with saidspecial-purpose protocol, into a signal according to a protocol, whichis adapted to displaying with said displaying software functions.
 20. Aninterface unit as defined in claim 19 wherein said special-purposeprotocol is a Simple Network Management Protocol, said displayingsoftware functions is a World Wide Web browser, and said protocoladapted to displaying with said displaying software functions is aHyperText Transfer Protocol.
 21. A client apparatus, which is providedwith the functions of interface unit as defined in any of claims 15 to18.
 22. A method of monitoring a network printer in a medical network,wherein a network printer designed to send a monitor signal, whichrepresents a state concerning output, in accordance with aspecial-purpose protocol may be connected to a plurality of terminals,each of which is provided with general-purpose displaying softwarefunctions and operates under management with one of plural kinds ofoperating systems having different forms, the method comprising:converting said monitor signal, which has been sent in accordance withsaid special-purpose protocol, into a signal according to a protocol,which is adapted to displaying with said displaying software functions.23. A method of monitoring a network printer as defined in claim 22wherein said special-purpose protocol is a Simple Network ManagementProtocol, said displaying software functions is a World Wide Webbrowser, and said protocol adapted to displaying with said displayingsoftware functions is a HyperText Transfer Protocol.
 24. A device formonitoring a network printer for use in a medical network, wherein anetwork printer designed to send a monitor signal, which represents astate concerning output, in accordance with a special-purpose protocolmay be connected to a plurality of terminals, each of which is providedwith general-purpose displaying software functions and operates undermanagement with one of plural kinds of operating systems havingdifferent forms, the device comprising: a protocol converting means forconverting said monitor signal, which has been sent in accordance withsaid special-purpose protocol, into a signal according to a protocol,which is adapted to displaying with said displaying software functions.25. A device for monitoring a network printer as defined in claim 24wherein said special-purpose protocol is a Simple Network ManagementProtocol, said displaying software functions is a World Wide Webbrowser, and said protocol adapted to displaying with said displayingsoftware functions is a HyperText Transfer Protocol.
 26. A method ofmanaging a parameter in a system constituted of a plurality of imageoutput devices, which reproduce medical images and are connected to anetwork, the parameter representing image processing conditions, or thelike, for a medical image to be reproduced by each of the image outputdevices, the method comprising the steps of: i) transferringinformation, which represents a parameter having been altered in one ofthe image output devices, into at least one image output device amongthe other image output devices, and ii) causing said at least one imageoutput device among the other image output devices to carry out imageprocessing by selectively using said parameter, which has beentransferred, or a parameter, which has been set previously in said atleast one image output device among the other image output devices. 27.A method of managing a parameter as defined in claim 26 wherein theinformation, which represents a parameter having been altered in one ofthe image output devices, is transferred into image output devices,which are among the other image output devices and are specified underpredetermined conditions.
 28. A method of managing a parameter asdefined in claim 27 wherein the parameter corresponds to indexinformation, which represents an image recording menu of the medicalimage to be reproduced by each of the image output devices, informationspecifying an image output device, which has the same index informationas the index information of each of the image output devices, is enteredpreviously, at least one image output device, which is among the otherimage output devices and has the index information corresponding to theparameter having been altered, is specified by making reference to saidentered information, and the information, which represents the parameterhaving been altered, is transferred into said at least one image outputdevice, which is among the other image output devices and has thus beenspecified.
 29. A system for managing a parameter, wherein a plurality ofimage output devices, which reproduce medical images, are connected to anetwork, and a parameter, which represents image processing conditions,or the like, for a medical image to be reproduced by each of the imageoutput devices, is managed, the system comprising, provided in eachimage output device: i) a parameter altering means for altering aparameter, ii) a transfer means for transferring information, whichrepresents the parameter having been altered, into at least one imageoutput device among the other image output devices, iii) a receivingmeans for receiving the transferred information, which represents theparameter having been altered, and iv) an image processing means forcarrying out image processing by selectively using the parameter, whichhas been received, or a parameter, which has been set previously in saideach image output device.
 30. A system for managing a parameter asdefined in claim 29 wherein said transfer means transfers theinformation, which represents the parameter having been altered, into atleast one image output device among the other image output devices,which has been specified under predetermined conditions.
 31. A systemfor managing a parameter as defined in claim 30 wherein the parametercorresponds to index information, which represents an image recordingmenu of the medical image to be reproduced by each of the image outputdevices, each of the image output devices is provided with an entrymeans for previously entering information specifying an image outputdevice, which has the same index information as the index information ofeach of the image output devices, and said transfer means specifies atleast one image output device, which is among the other image outputdevices and has the index information corresponding to the parameterhaving been altered, by making reference to said information having beenentered by said entry means, and transfers the information, whichrepresents the parameter having been altered, into said at least oneimage output device, which is among the other image output devices andhas thus been specified.
 32. A method of managing a parameter comprisingthe steps of: i) in response to receipt of an image from an externaldevice, inquiring database that stores and manages image processingparameters of all images about said image, ii) receiving from said database the latest information about the image processing parameter, andiii) altering said parameter based on the information received.
 33. Asystem for managing a parameter comprising: i) an image receiving meansfor receiving an image from an external device, ii) a data base whichstores and manages image processing parameters of all images, iii) aninquiring means for inquiring said data base about the latestinformation as to the image processing parameter of the image receivedby said receiving means, and iv) a parameter altering means for alteringsaid parameter based on the information received.
 34. A method ofenabling alteration of parameters held in devices constituting a systemcomprising the steps of: i) in response to receipt of an image from anexternal device by one of said devices, comparing the image processingparameter held in the device with the parameter held by the imagereceived, and ii) altering said parameter held in the device when thereis a difference between said image processing parameters, iii) wherebythe parameters held in the devices are altered when an image which haschanged its image processing passes through the system.
 35. A system forenabling alteration of parameters held in devices constituting a systemcomprising: i) a comparing means for, in response to receipt of an imagefrom an external device by one of said devices, comparing the imageprocessing parameter held in the device with the parameter held by theimage received, and ii) an altering means for altering said parameterheld in the device when there is a difference between said imageprocessing parameters.